The effects of maximal, upper-body, skill-related strength training on the work economy and anaerobic threshold of double-polling ski ergometry were investigated in female cross-country skiers (N = 15). A high-intensity strength-training group (N = 8) and a non-strength-training group (N = 7) participated for nine weeks during which predominantly endurance work (running, roller skiing, and then skiing) was performed. Strength training was performed 3 days per week.

Work economy, but not anaerobic threshold, improved significantly in the strength-trained group. Time to exhaustion improved significantly for both groups with the strength group being significantly more than the control group.